London is always magical during the festive season, and there’s no shortage of activities to help you get into the Christmas spirit! Here’s a curated list of things to do this year, from my favourite festive dining spots, to the best Christmas markets…
Restaurant Recommendations
When it comes to dining in London, the options are endless, but there are are few stand-out restaurants that I always go back to during the festive season:
- Daphne’s – 112 Draycott Avenue, London SW3 3AE
- 34 Mayfair – 34 Grosvenor Square, S Audley Street, London, W1K 2HD
- Mount Street Restaurant – First Floor 41-43 Mount Street, London W1K 2RX
- Ivy Chelsea Garden – The Ivy Chelsea Garden, 195 197 King’s Road, London SW3 5EQ
- Ivy Richmond Brasserie – The Ivy Cafe Richmond, 9-11 Hill St, Richmond TW9 1SX
- Rosewood London – 252 High Holborn, London
I’ve always loved the Rosewood London, and this year they’ve introduced a Mexican-inspired winter terrace, Hacienda 1942, nestled in the hotel’s beautiful courtyard. The menu features festive Tequila cocktails crafted with Don Julio 1942, alongside a tempting selection of mouthwatering Mexican cuisine.
- Dovetale at 1 Hotel Mayfair – 3 Berkeley St, London W1J 8DL
The Dovetale terrace at 1 Hotel Mayfair has been transformed into a winter village, where you can wander through three woodland huts, serving Christmas cocktails, mince pies and more. The restaurant itself is led by the two-star Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers!
- Fifty Cheyne – 50 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, London, SW3 5LR
Located in the heart of Chelsea, Fifty Cheyne combines the finest British cuisine with a festive, cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for the season. The menu features everything from fresh seafood and salads to hearty grilled dishes and a traditional Sunday roast. When I visited last month, the food was exceptional, and the ambiance made the experience even more special. Don’t miss their fantastic lunch offer: 50% off the entire grill menu on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays—a perfect excuse to stop by.
- Claridges for Afternoon tea – Brook St, London W1K 4HR
The iconic Claridge’s Christmas tree designed by Paul Smith this year!
Photo credit: Gentleman’s Journal
Festive Things To Do
There are plenty of things to do in London to get into the Christmas spirit. Below you will find lots of ideas worth doing during the festive period, from light shows to Christmas markets!
Christmas Light Concert
A light show is a must for Christmas time. Here are a few I would recommend seeing if you have the chance!
A 2.7km trail with more than a million twinkling lights over bridges, arches, trees, tunnels and much more. There are also many independent food stands and vendors for hot chocolate and mulled wine along the way. Every year, it always gets booked up so quickly, so you’re lucky if you managed to snap up some tickets this year!
Winter Light at Southbank
The riverside located in South London has been transformed into a luminous gallery that is free to explore, featuring work from contemporary artists. You can also do some Christmas shopping at the market.
Of course, I also had to mention the Christmas light displays around London. The most obvious is Regent Street with the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ lights, an angelic display stretching down the entire street. It’s a must for any Christmas light tour!
Covent Garden is also very festive this time of year, with a giant 60ft Christmas Tree adorned with 30,000 LED lights. There are also countless things to do while you’re there, from dining in The Covent Garden Chalet, an alpine escape with seasonal treats and mulled wine, to visiting Santa’s Sleigh.
Candlelight Concert
Add to the festivities with a candlelight concert, paying tribute to the Christmas classics. There are various dates and times, you can book HERE!
Cinderella at the Royal Opera House
For a theatrical experience this Christmas, head to the Royal Opera House for the Cinderella Ballet. You can also book ‘The Making of Cinderella Tour’,where you’re taken behind the scenes and to the rooftop for a festive drink to finish!
Christmas Markets
Aside from Winter Wonderland, there are many other Christmas markets around London worth visiting:
Seven Dials Christmas Market – Seven Dials Market, London, WC2H 9HD
Seven Dials has been transformed into London’s biggest snow globe, with snowfall at various times of the day! The market brings together a diverse mix of independent food and drink vendors, so a great option if you’re a foodie.
Old Spitalfields Market – 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW
Located in East London, the area has been transformed with decorations, Christmas trees and lights. The market is full of Christmas shopping opportunities, and food stalls for some festive classics. There are also retro photo booths dotted around to mark the occasion!
Leicester Square Christmas Market – Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LU
For something traditionally festive, Leicester Square’s Christmas market is the place to go.
The spectacular La Clique has returned to the Leicester Square Spiegeltentfor its 20th anniversary, a cabaret show with daring acrobatics, stunts and comedy (you can book tickets HERE).
South Bank Christmas Market – The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 8XX
Each Christmas market in London is slightly different, with South Bank offering a riverside appeal, where you’ll find a stretch of shops and stalls dotted along the Thames. They also have a ‘Curling Club’, inspired by the Winter Olympic sport, such a fun activity to do with a group of friends or your family during December!
Ice Skating
Skate at Somerset House has made a grand return this year, where you can skate around the historic courtyard in front of the house. They are also offering ’Skate Lates’ sessions for after-hours rink access with music from top DJs, as well as more chilled-out sessions and a kid’s skate club. There is also a lounge serving an array of festive rosé cocktails, courtesy of Whispering Angel! And if that wasn’t enough, you can head into the Shelter Boutique pop-up, offering a handpicked selection of pre-loved vintage, designer clothing and gifts.
ICE SKATING AT BATTERSEA POWER STATION
Festive shopping/gifts
Last but certainly not least, below are some of London’s infamous department stores that you must visit if you’re in the city!
Selfridges – 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB
Liberty – Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH
Fortnum and Mason – 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
Harrods – 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL
Harvey Nichols – 109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ
You can also take a wander down one of the most festive streets in London, Bond Street, where all the stores are decorated and transformed for the festive season (and take a peek at the Chanel-themed Christmas lights!)
I hope this has given you some inspiration on what to do during the festive season if you’re planning a trip to London. Please feel free leave a comment below or message me if you have any questions!
